Twist lock socket with connector

ABSTRACT

Connector and lamp socket structures are disclosed for use in establishing electrical connections between wiring harnesses and lamps. An exemplary lamp socket is designed to provide fool-proof housing panel orientation during installation and a positive pressure interlock assuring a water tight connection with the panel housing.

United States Patent Burgess et a1.

[451 June 6, 1972 TWIST LOCK SOCKET WITH CONNECTOR Inventors: JamesPatton Burgess, Brighton; Melvin William Polkinghorn, Livonia; SteveJoseph Brzozowski, Detroit, all of Mich.

Assignee: International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation, New York,NY.

Filed: Sept. 2, 1970 Appl. N0.: 68,995

[1.5. Cl. ,.339/l4 R, 339/206 L, 339/211 Int. Cl r ..H0lr 3/06 Field ofSearch ..335/14, 154, 155, 206, 209, 335/211, 60, 61,176 L, 177 L, 184L, 185 R,189

L, 191 L, 210 L, 218 L, 220 L References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTSMatsuya ..339/145 DeLano ..339/14 2,466,566 4/1949 Tiscione ..339/176 L1,551,876 9/1925 Hartmann ..339/209 2,674,724 4/1954 Just ..339/I932,984,813 5/1961 Bossi ..339/59 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [5 7]ABSTRACT Connector and lamp socket structures are disclosed for use inestablishing electrical connections between wiring harnesses and lamps.An exemplary lamp socket is designed to provide fool-proof housing panelorientation during installation and a positive pressure interlockassuring a water tight connection with the panel housing.

14 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUH 8|972 3,668,603 SHEET 20F 6PATENTEDJUH s 1972 SHEET 3 OF 6 m WE TWIST LOCK SOCKET WITH CONNECTORThis invention relates to the establishment of weather-proof electricalcircuits between lamp sockets and wiring harnesses. It particularlyrelates to connectors which form couplings between lamp sockets andwiring harnesses to provide weather-proof electrical connections, andwhich, once fastened, are hard to remove. The invention has furtherreference to the assembly of lighting fixtures on a production line,enabling a special lamp socket, complete with a lamp, to be placed in ahousing and subsequently permitting a connector and associated wiringharness to be coupled to the lamp socket to complete electricalconnections between the lamp and the harness.

The prior art includes lamp sockets which have been complicated andrelatively expensive. Many of these prior art lamp sockets have beenpreconnected to the wiring harness thus avoiding the problems associatedwith making connections during assembly in automobile assembly plantsand the like, but requiring that lamps be installed as a final assemblystep in order to avoid lamp breakage. With other prior art lamp socketsit has been necessary to shrink tubing in order to provide aweather-proof seal between the lamp sockets and wiring harness. It hasalso been necessary in some cases to swedge the lamp socket afterassembly to provide a seal between the socket and the lamp housing. Thislast procedure has meant that the socket is not removable and that thelens will have to be removed to enable replacement of burnt out lamps.With one known device, a pig-tail harness has been employed whichrequired a number of individual connections to the wiring harness in aninefficient and costly manner.

An example of prior art, herein incorporated by reference is to be foundin the U.S. Pat. application for a Lamp Socket", Ser. No. 861,] 13,filed in the names of James P. Burgess and Melvin W. Polkinghom on Sept.25, 1969, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application.

Having in mind the limitations of the prior art it is therefore anobject of the present invention to provide a lamp socket and a matingconnector incorporating elements that enable the completion of anelectrical circuit from a wiring harness through spring contacts withinthe socket to bulb contacts.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a connectorarrangement to enable a wiring harness to be coupled readily to asocket.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide separate socketconnectors which, once coupled, resist separation except by applicationof a much greater force than that required to make a mating fit. Thiscondition assures that the connector elements are unlikely to beseparated by accident.

Yet another object is to provide an economical seal between a connectorand a socket to prevent moisture from penetrating into a lamp housing.

It is a further object of the invention to provide improved efficiencyin an assembly plant by eliminating bulb handling operations through useof sockets in which lamps have been previously inserted.

The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention andthe manner of obtaining them will become more apparent, and theinvention itself will be best understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the assembled lamp socketstructure illustrating a completed connection between a wire harnessconnector and a lamp socket,

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the assembly of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 1, with the bulb removed,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating certainfeatures of a lamp socket according to the invention,

FIG. 5 is an exploded schematic perspective view showing components ofthe lamp socket and the connector,

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the lamp socket showing theconnector in place and the relative position of the weatherproof bootseals,

FIG. 7 illustrates three models of the invention representing theadaptability of the invention to different focal ranges,

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the upper portion of the lamp socket showingthe locking shoulders and detent,

FIG. 9 illustrates the adaptability of the invention to housing panelsof difierent thicknesses, while FIG. 9A shows a configuration of thelamp socket integral to the lamp housing,

FIG. 10 shows the lamp socket structure locked into engagement with ahousing panel,

FIG. 1 1 shows a view of the cable end of the connector,

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the connector,

FIG. 13 is a view of the end of the connector which couples to the baseof the lamp socket,

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing details of a tower in the connector,

FIG. 15 is a further view of the connector tower illustrating the mannerin which the cable strands are coupled to the connector,

FIG. 16 shows a lamp socket mounted in place in a reflector housing witha connector and cable harness aligned for assembly,

FIG. 17 shows the connector and cable harness after coupling to thesocket in FIG. 16, and

FIG. 18 is a view of an assembled socket and connector after removalfrom the reflector housing.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a lamp socket andconnector structure having relatively few parts, making it easy tofabricate and assemble. The external configuration of the lamp socketstructure insures straight-line and fool-proof orientation of the lampsocket with the housing panel opening during installation. The connectorprovides a good connection between the lamp socket structure and a cableharness.

The lamp socket structure assembly is provided with a unique resilientcompression ring and detent arrangement which insures a positivepressure interlock with the housing wall and which provides againstaccidental dislodgment of the lamp socket structure from its operativeuse position on the panel housing. The compression ring cooperates withthe annular shoulder of the lamp socket so as to accommodate housingsconstructed of various materials and having various wall thicknesses.

The overall design of the lamp socket and connector struc ture providesequipment which can be quickly, easily and economically assembled intothe lamp socket housing. No complicated fabrication steps are requiredto manufacture and assemble this structure.

As shown in the drawings and described in the specification, the lampsocket structure of the instant invention is adapted to quickly, easilyand lockably receive the connector which, in turn, is coupled to theindividual wire leads of the wire harnesses utilized in the externalelectrical system of the vehicle.

With the connector inserted into the lamp socket structure, the wireleads of the wire harness are coupled to the individual contact elementscontained within the lamp socket structure. However, the wire leads arenot otherwise connected to the individual contact elements, and theindividual contacts are automatically kept free of pressure fromexternal wire harness strains. In this way, bulb contact pressure isindependent of external wire harness strains, thus eliminating one ofthe main problems encountered in the devices of the prior art.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the unique construction embodied in thelamp socket structure permits its adaptability to provide a variety offocal ranges while maintaining the same basic internal structuralfeatures and the same internal interrelationship of its components.

A completely internal ground circuit capability is provided whichenables the lamp socket structure to be used with either metal orplastic housings.

The lamp socket structure also incorporates therein a built in structurewhich is useful in assembly and which provides for the use of fiberoptic channels, if desired.

The lamp socket structure is operated in such a manner and is soconfigured that only a single reflector (housing) opening is required.No irregular surface is required on the housing for detenting.

The lamp socket structure is constructed so that there are no exposedelectrical contacts, thus providing a lamp socket which is not only safein operation but which is not susceptible to failure due to dirt orother foreign particles finding their way into the internal portion ofthe structure.

Furthermore, unique boot seals are utilized which provide individualwire lead sealing and which cooperate with the lamp socket structure toprovide a protected boot seal-lamp socket body juncture.

All of the foregoing structural features not only provide a lamp socketand connector structure which is simple and economical to fabricate andinstall, but one which meets the stringent safety standards now beingimposed on the automotive industry.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION Turning now to specific details, a partial sectionof an assembled lamp socket structure is shown with a sectionedconnector attached in the embodiment of FIG. 1 of the drawings. The lampsocket structure, indicated in general by the arrow 21, includes aflange collar element 22 and a main body 23. The main body housing 23 isprovided with a bulb receiving cavity 24 at one end which is adapted toreceive a twist lock bulb 25 therein. A contact receiving and retainingcavity 26 is provided within the central part of the body housing 23.The contact receiving cavity 26 is in open communication with the bulbreceiving cavity 24. Contact elements 27 are inserted through the bulbreceiving cavity 24 into their operative use position in the contactcavity 26. Each of the contact elements 27 is provided with a resilientcurved bulb contacting portion 28 at one end thereof. Further, each ofthe contacts 27 is provided with a reverse leaf spring extension 29which is adapted to slidingly, wipingly and springingly make contactwith terminal plugs 31 inserted into the lamp socket structure. A lipextension 30 is provided within the contact cavity 26 so as to lockablyretain the contacts 27 therein. Upon insertion of the contacts 27 intothe contact receiving cavity 26, the leaf spring extension 29 springsoutwardly behind the lip extension 30 so as to prevent accidentalremoval or dislodgment of the contacts 27 from the contact cavity 26.

The terminal plugs 31 are held in terminal plug socket cavities 6 of aconnector C. The connector C incorporates extension towers 4 locatedwithin a protective skirt 8 sealed in this view to the socket 21 by aseal at 15. The terminal plug socket cavities 6 are positioned in theconnector C so that terminal plugs 31 placed therein come into positiveslip-proof wiping contact with the leaf spring extensions 29 of thecontact elements 27.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in a simplified way, the arrangement of the base ofthe lamp socket structure of FIG. 1 with the connector removed fromview. In this figure, the flange 37 is shown to have ridges at 41 and 43as well as an optic tower at 4. Components to receive a connector C areindicated at C.

As shown in FIG. 3, a standard ground contact element 36 is provided onthe lamp socket structure 21 to engage the base of a bulb elementmounted therein. The upper ring collar element 22 is provided with anannular flange portion 37 having a circumferential seating lip extension37a which is configured to seatably and retainably engage a resilientcompression ring member 38 (FIG. 1). As will be hereinafter described,the compression ring 38 cooperates with the base of annular shoulders39, 40 and 41 of the ring element 22 to retainably engage a reflectorhousing wall therebetween.

The ring collar element 22 is provided with positive orienting oraligning shoulders 39, 40 and 41 as shown in FIG. 3, which areconfigured to matingly engage corresponding recesses in the openingprovided through the reflector housing panel into which the lamp socketstructure is mounted.

Turning back to FIG. 1, a waterproof rubber boot seal 10 is selectivelyprovided for mating engagement with the external walls of the extensiontowers 4 which define terminal plug socket cavities 6. The boot seal 10is provided with an opening 12 through which the terminal plug 31 passesto be locked into the connector C within the socket cavity 6. The bootseal opening 12 is normally covered by a thin wall membrane which ispunctured when the terminal plug 31 is inserted therethrough. Further,the opening 12 actually stretches to accommodate the temiinal plug 31,thus providing a weatherproof fit around the terminal plug 31 whichprevents moisture and/or foreign particles from entering the interior ofthe lamp socket structure.

It should be noted that the ring element 22 can be placed in a varietyof positions along the longitudinal axis of the main body housing 23 sothat the lamp socket structure can be adapted to various focal lengths.After ring element 22 has been properly positioned on the body housing23 so as to achieve the desired focal range, it is then ultra-sonicallyjoined or heat staked thereto at selected points along juncture lines 43and/or 44.

Views showing additional aspects of an embodiment of the invention areprovided in the perspective view of FIG. 4 and in the exploded schematicview of FIG. 5. FIG. 5, in particular, shows in detail the variouscomponents of an embodiment of the lamp socket and connector structure.Weatherproof boot seal units are shown at 10 with terminal plug openings12 therethrough. Each of the individual boot seal units 10 iscylindrically configured to matingly engage the external walls of theindividual temiinal plug cavity socket extension towers 4. Theprotective skirt 8 of the connector C is shown with slots at 74 and 74to engage elements on the opposite side (see 41, FIG. 2) of an annularpressure ring retaining flange 37. A lower body housing 55 is providedwhich contains contact spring cavities 26 and a ground strap cavity orchannel 50 therein which are in open communication with the terminalplug cavities 57 as will be hereinafter described. The body housing 55is provided with three guide retaining arms 58, 59 and 60, respectively,that are adapted to matingly engage the upper body housing 61. The lowerbody housing 55 is provided with an annular compression ring retainingflange 37 and circumferential lip extension 37A upon which thecompression ring member 38 is seated.

Contact elements 63 and 64 are provided having curved bulb contactportions 65 and 66 at one end thereof, respectively, and leaf springterminal plug contact portions 67 and 68 at the opposite end thereof. Itshould be noted that the contact elements are configured so that the tipends 69 and 70 of the contact elements bear against the mid-portion ofthe contact elements. This tends to impart a more positive contactpressure against the base of the bulb inserted thereagainst.

A ground strap element 71 is provided having a curved end portion 72which is adapted to engage the upper body housing 61. The ground strap71 is also provided with a leaf spring extension 73 which is adapted toengage a terminal plug element 31 inserted into the terminal plugreceiving cavity.

The upper body housing 61 is provided with a bulb engaging cavity 74therethrough. Suitable grooves 75 are provided within the bulb engagingcavity 74 which are adapted to lockably engage the ears on the base of astandard twist lock bulb.

Orienting alignment shoulders 77, 78 and 79 are provided on the upperbody housing 61. The alignment shoulders 77, 78 and 79 have differentthicknesses and are configured to matingly engage corresponding recessesprovided in the opening in the lamp socket reflector housing into whichthe lamp socket structure is mounted. This alignment or orientingfeature insures that the lamp socket structure can only be inserted intothe reflector housing in its proper use position. Thus, the result isfool-proof installation of the lamp socket structure into the lampsocket reflector housing.

A tower 80 is provided on the lower body housing 55 which may be adaptedto receive an optical fiber therethrough for aiming at the filament ofthe bulb. This tower serves also as an aid in positioning the lampsocket relative to the reflector housing.

As shown in the rear perspective view of FIG. 6, the connector C isprovided with a plurality of extension towers 4. Each of the towers 4defines a terminal plug socket cavity 6 therethrough. Here again theconnector C is also provided with a protective skirt 8 which iscoextensive with the extension towers 4. In use, the skirt 8 acts as aprotective guard for the towers 4 and the boot seal units 10 mountedthereover. The presence of the protective skirt 8 on the connector Cpermits its installation on the lamp socket structure without any manualhandling of the boot seals 10 or of the terminal wire ends leading intothe socket cavities 6. The worker merely grasps the external protectiveskirt 8. Thus, there is very little likelihood that damage will occur tothe boot seal connection or individual wire leads during theinstallation process.

Each of the individual boot seal units 10 has a cylindricalconfiguration for mating engagement with the cylindrical outer wall ofthe extension tower 4. The boot seals 10 represent a distinctimprovement over the boot seal structures of the prior art. The bootseal structures of the prior art have been mounted over the entire baseof the lamp socket structure. The peripheral sealing edge of the priorart boot seal structure has been located on the exposed outer wallsurface of the lamp sockets, thus exposing them to damage and to failureof the sealing action. Failure of the boot seals of the prior art haveexposed all of the circuits leading into the lamp socket structure.However, the boot seals 10 of the instant invention provide independentsealing for each circuit. The result is a more readily controllable sealjoint because the sealing action is around each individual wire elementand not around the entire lamp socket body housing.

It should also be noted that the unique seal design requiressubstantially less rubber material than the relatively massive bootseals of the prior art. This brings about a significant cost reductionin the overall cost of the lamp socket stnicture. The design of the bootseals 10 can be varied as desired as long as they provide a water anddirt proof seal for the connections between the terminal plug elementsand the connector.

In FIG. 7, three different models of the lamp socket structure are shownto illustrate how the lamp socket structures can be readily adapted toprovide for three different focal ranges. While the externalconfiguration of the upper body housing 61 (including C from FIG. 2)vary in the different models, the connectors C and the internalinterrelationships of the various components, channels, socket cavitiesand the like, remain constant. The relative positioning of the externalflange 62 and of the shoulders 77, 78 and 79 on the lamp socketstructure is changed on each model so that the position of the lampsocket structure is axially adjusted in relation to the housing panelupon which it is mounted. This enables the production of different focalranges as desired, without changing connector tooling. In essence, onlythe plastic tooling needs to be changed for each model; the metaltooling remains the same.

As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 8, the upper body housing 61 of anexemplary embodiment of the lamp socket may be provided with threelongitudinally extending orienting or alignment shoulders 77, 78 and 79,respectively. Shoulder 78 is provided with a detent extension 83 at thebase thereof which engages a slot provided in the housing panel tolockably retain the lamp socket structure thereon. Shoulder 77 isprovided with a stop shoulder 84 at the base thereof which alsocooperates with the housing panel to effect a positive seating of thelamp socket structure into its operative use position. Shoulder 79 maybe provided with an optical fiber channel 49 therethrough and maysupport an optical director tower 80 thereon.

The adaptability of the lamp socket structure to operatively engagehousing panels of varying thicknesses is shown in the composite view ofFIG. 9. The upper portion of the composite view of FIG. 9 illustratesengagement of the lamp socket structure with a thin housing panel 86.The compression ring 38 compresses sufficiently to permit engagement ofthe housing 86 between the compression ring 38 and bases of thealignment shoulders 77, 78 and 79, respectively, which are positioned onthe upper body housing 61. As previously described, the compression ring38 is seated upon the annular flange 37 of the lower body housing 55.

The lower portion of the composite view of FIG. 9 illustrates engagementof the lamp socket structure with a relatively thick housing panel 87.As shown, the compression ring 38 is merely compressed to a greaterdegree to accommodate the thicker housing panel 87. This capability toautomatically adjust to a variety of panel housing thicknesses clearlyimparts great versatility to the lamp socket structure. Thus, lampsocket structures can be mass produced for use in equipment where widevariations in the thickness of different types of housing areencountered.

Further, the use of the compression ring 38 provides a positive andrelatively vibration-free engagement of the lamp socket structure withthe housing. Inasmuch as the compression ring 38 is actually compressedwhen the lamp socket structure lockably engages the housing, thecompression ring 38 exerts a constant retentive pressure against theback of the housing during the entire period in which the lamp socketstructure is mounted in the housing.

Further use of a connector C similar to the connector C with a socket isillustrated in FIG. 9A. In this Figure, a lamp socket is molded as apart of a lamp housing at H. The connector C" is attached to the harnessand may be sealed at the point of wire entry by a boot 10. To completethe socket assembly an upper socket 63 is attached to the housing byheat staking or ultrasonic means after the socket terminals have beenlocated inside the assembly. The fingers 89 protruding from theconnector have leading angles 91 which enter the appropriate slots 92 ofthe socket until the locking edge 93 passes the shoulder 94 on thesocket structure.

These fingers have sufiicient resiliency to allow the connector to beeasily engaged while the force required to disengage the two pieces isquite large. Removal of the connector is accomplished by inserting ascrew driver or similar device in the slot 95 and twisting to overcomethe large angles of the finger engagement. The additional cavity 96fitting into the irregular slot provides a means of orienting theconnector to the hous mg.

The skirt 8" of the connector C" surrounds the socket body limiting theamount of dirt and moisture which gets to the flat part of the connector97 where a compression seal 98 is in contact with a sealing lip 99 ofthe socket. This seal prevents any moisture, dust, etc. from enteringthe lamp housing. The location of the slot 95 mentioned above precludesany inter ference with the removal tool of the rubber seal during theforceable removal of the connector from the socket.

The cross-sectional schematic side view of FIG. 10 illustrates the lampsocket structure in its operative use positions on a housing 87. Thedetent 83 is shown in its lock position in a suitable recess provided inthe housing panel 87. The compression ring 38 is shown in its compressedposition between the annular flange 37 and the housing 87.

It is important to note that the lamp socket structure can be fabricatedindependently of the fabrication of the wire harness utilized therewith.During fabrication thereof, the wire harness is merely provided withterminal plug elements 31 at the ends of the terminal wires of the wireharness (FIGS. 16 18). Previously, the lamp socket structures have beenattached to the wire harnesses during fabrication thereof. Damage to thelamp socket structures has occurred during fabrication of the Wireharnesses.

In the instant invention, the wire harness is fabricated and then thetemiinal plug elements 31 are inserted into the completed connector. Thewire harness structure then can be quickly and easily connected to thelamp socket structure.

A more detailed showing of a connector C is presented in FIGS. 11 14.FIG. 11 illustrates the cable end of the connector, FIG. 12 is asectional view along the lines AA of FIG.

11, FIG. 13 illustrates the socket end of the connector, FIG. 14 is asectional view taken along lines B-B of FIG. 13 and FIG. 15 illustratesthe manner of connecting the connector to a cable terminal.

Three towers 4 in the connector C include internal passages 6 which varyin diameter by a plurality of steps as best shown in FIG. 14. The stepspennit easy entry of cable terminals. The bases of the towers terminateat to form ledges against which latching elements 7 of the terminals 31of cable wires may be secured against removal from the towers.

Means are provided at 14, and 16 which serve to engage suitable slots 17(FIGS. 9 and 10) on the outside lower portion of the lamp socket and tolock the connector to the socket.

At the time the connector engages the lamp socket, three terminals 31 ofa cable will be connected to respective contact elements, such as 67, 68and 73 in FIG. 5. In FIG. 15, a terminal 31 of the cable is shown beingheld in position in the passage 6 of a tower 4 by a latching element 7which engages the ledge 5.

FIG. 16 shows a portion of a reflector housing 87 with which theinvention has utility. This figure shows also the lower portion of alamp socket C positioned in the housing 87 in position to receive theconnector C and the associated cable harness 90. It should be noted atthis point that C and C may be separated after they have been placedtogether, as in FIG. 17. Generally, the mating elements on the lampsocket side (17 in FIG. 9) and the corresponding elements in theconnector are formed to be mated more easily than they can be separated,but they are designed to be separable if necessary.

FIG. 17 is a representation of the connector C engaged with the lampsocket after having been pushed in the direction of the arrow. in thisview the tower 80 and the flange 37 are seen, though the socket itselfis hidden from view. It will be appreciated that the connection betweenthe connector C and the socket shown in FIG. 17 are accomplished simplyby pushing the connector over the socket in the direction indicated bythe arrow.

In order to remove the assemblage of lamp socket, connector and cablefrom contact with the reflector housing, it is necessary only to pushthe assembly slightly and twist it counter clockwise in the direction ofthe arrow in FIG. 18 to disengage it, after which it may be pulled fromthe opening 88. FIG. 18 illustrates the appearance of the assembly afterit has been removed from the housing in this manner.

It will be seen that a lamp socket and connector structure is providedwhich can be easily fabricated. The unique design thereof permits quickassembly of the components into the lamp socket structure of the instantinvention. Further, the use of a compression ring provides positive andrelatively vibration-free engagement with housing panels of varyingthicknesses. Finally, the lamp socket structure is adapted to lockablyreceive the connector elements therein and maintain the same inpositive, wiping strain-free contact with the contact elements containedin the lamp socket structure.

Various other modifications of the invention may be made withoutdeparting from the principle thereof. Each of the modifications is to beconsidered as included in the hereinafter appended claims unless theseclaims by their language expressly provide otherwise.

We claim:

1. Connector structures for mating a lamp socket to a wiring harnesscomprising:

a first connector element including an extension tower and a protectiveskirt,

a first portion of said protective skirt providing protection for theextension tower,

said first connector element, in cooperation with said extension tower,providing means for receiving and holding a terminal plug of a wiringharness,

a second portion of said protective skirt including first latching meansby which a second connector element may be engaged,

said second connector element including second latching means to engagethe first latching means and form a lamp socket in combinationtherewith,

the second connector element including a receptacle for receiving abayonet mounted electric lamp and spring biased contact elements withinthe receptacle which latch into a cavity within the receptacle toconductively engage the terminal plug of the wiring harness and enablecompletion of an electrical connection between the wiring harness andthe receptacle.

2. Structures as claimed in claim I, in which the first latching meansincludes a plurality of retainer elements within the second portion ofthe protective skirt, and

the second latching means includes a plurality of retaining elementslocated on the periphery of the second connector element.

3. Structures as claimed in claim 2, in which the second portion of theskirt encloses a flat compression seal forming a complete and watertight seal between the first connector element and the second connectorelement when they are engaged.

4. Structures as claimed in claim 2, in which the fit of the firstlatching means to the second latching means allows for a low forceengagement and requires a high force disengagement as determined by thelead angles and locking angles on mating surfaces in the skirt and onthe second latching means.

5. Connector structures as claimed in claim 1, in which the secondconnector element includes structures enabling the second connectorelement to be mounted through a mating opening in a thin wall housing.

6. Connector structures as claimed in claim 5, in which locking elementsare provided as a part of the second connector element to enablepositive looking with a reflecter housing.

7. Connector structures as claimed in claim 6, in which the reflectorhousing includes a recess, and

the second connector includes a detent to engage the recess and assurepositive locking.

8. Connector structures as claimed in claim 1, in which the terminalplug of the wiring harness includes a latching element, and

the means for receiving and holding the terminal plug includes theextension tower and a ledge formed in the first connector element aroundone end of the extension tower to engage the latching element and securethe end of the terminal plug from withdrawal.

9. Structures as claimed in claim 1, in which the second portion of theprotective skirt and second latching means include mating elementsserving to prevent them from rotating relative to each other.

10. Structures as claimed in claim 1, in which means are provided insaid second connector element to enable a covered ground connection tobe made to the first connector element.

1 1. Connector structures as claimed in claim 5, in which the secondconnector element may be adjusted to permit usage in housings requiringcentering of lamp filaments at different focal points.

12. Structures as claimed in claim 1, in which the second connectorelement includes a lamp housing.

13. Structures as claimed in claim 1, in which the second connectorelement is formed as an integral part of a lamp housing.

14. Structures as claimed in claim 1, in which the spring biased contactelements include a resilient curved contact portion for establishingelectrical contact with the base of an electric lamp and a reverse leafspring extension to slidingly, wipingly and springingly make contactwith the terminal plug of the wiring harnessv

1. Connector structures for mating a lamp socket to a wiring harnesscomprising: a first connector element including an extension tower and aprotective skirt, a first portion of said protective skirt providingprotection for the extension tower, said first connector element, incooperation with said extension tower, providing means for receiving andholding a terminal plug of a wiring harness, a second portion of saidprotective skirt including first latching means by which a secondconnector element may be engaged, said second connector elementincluding second latching means to engage the first latching means andform a lamp socket in combination therewith, the second connectorelement including a receptacle for receiving a bayonet mounted electriclamp and spring biased contact elements within the receptacle whichlatch into a cavity within the receptacle to conductively engage theterminal plug of the wiring harness and enable completion of anelectrical connection between the wiring harness and the receptacle. 2.Structures as claimed in claim 1, in which the first latching meansincludes a plurality of retainer elements within the second portion ofthe protective skirt, and the second latching means includes a pluralityof retaining elements located on the periphery of the second connectorelement.
 3. Structures as claimed in claim 2, in which the secondportion of the skirt encloses a flat compression seal forming a completeand water tight seal between the first connector element and the secondconnector element when they are engaged.
 4. Structures as claimed inclaim 2, in which the fit of the first latching means to the secondlatching means allows for a low force engagement and requires a highforce disengagement as determined by the lead angles and locking angleson mating surfaces in the skirt and on the second latching means. 5.Connector structures as claimed in claim 1, in which the secondconnector element includes structures enabling the second connectorelement to be mounted through a mating opening in a thin wall housing.6. Connector structures as claimed in claim 5, in which locking elementsare provided as a part of the second connector element to enablepositive locking with a reflecter housing.
 7. Connector structures asclaimed in claim 6, in which the reflector housing includes a recess,and the second connector includes a detent to engage the recess andassure positive locking.
 8. Connector structures as claimed in claim 1,in which the terminal plug of the wiring harness includes a latchingelement, and the means for receiving and holding the terminal plugincludes the extension tower and a ledge formed in the first connectorelement around one end of the extension tower to engage the latchingelement and secure the end of the terminal plug from withdrawal. 9.Structures as claimed in claim 1, in which the second portion of theprotective skirt and second latching means include mating elementsserving to prevent them from rotating relative to each other. 10.Structures as claimed in claim 1, in which means are provided in saidsecond connector element to enable a covered ground connection to bemade to the first connector element.
 11. Connector structures as claimedin claim 5, in which the second connector element may be adjusted topermit usage in housings requiring centering of lamp filaments atdifferent focal points.
 12. Structures as claimed in claim 1, in whichthe second connector element includes a lamp housing.
 13. Structures asclaimed in claim 1, in which the second connector element is formed asan integral part of a lamp housing.
 14. Structures as claimed in claim1, in which the spring biased contact elements include a resilientcurved contact portion for establishing electrical contact with the baseof an electric lamp and a reverse leaf spring extension to slidingly,wipingly and springingly make contact with the terminal plug of thewiring harness.